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Bath Rugby's defeat to Falcons

"Every week it's combat at scrum time," he said. "I wouldn't be the kind of tighthead I am in such a short time if I didn't have that kind of scrutiny on my technique, and the coaching from (Toby) Boothy.

"Guys like Beno Obano, Nicky Auterac and Lucas (Noguera) have been keeping me on my toes. My skill acquisition is because of those guys and (injured) Nathan Catt. It's always hard."

The first two looseheads he mentioned were familiar, but training against the Argentine Noguera since he joined earlier this year has offered a fresh challenge and learning aid.

Lahiff said: "He's a bit on the smaller side but at his age, playing at international level with that Argentina pack, he's no mug.